Cleaning up storm damage? We answer your grapple FAQs.

The scale of damage in the South Island after the spring storm is quite incredible. Many of us are well into the recovery phase and it’s obvious that this clean up is going to be a long and careful one. Clearing fallen trees and pulling stumps away is dangerous work that requires skilled operators. And once that’s done, there will be drainage and fencing to think about.

We’ve been busy with enquiries from farmers and contractors looking for grabs and grapples to help with this work. That’s why we’ve prepared some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about grapples.

What grapples does Earthworm have on hand right now?

In stock currently are grapples for excavators up to 12 ton, including plenty of options for mini-excavators. Currently there is a longer lead time on grapples for larger units. Give us a call and talk us through what you’re after.

Bunching grapples and tine grapples – what’s the difference?

Bunching grapples are the traditional style used in forestry for clamping onto logs. A tine grapple has ‘fingers’ with three fingers on one side and two fingers on the other. These are great for picking up branches and slash. We have rotator options available for both styles.

Fixed rotator or free hanging rotator?

We have both options available. A fixed rotator attaches directly to the excavator’s stick and offers more precision and control. A free hanging (or swinging) rotator is suspended from the excavator’s boom by a link or yoke. It’s like the traditional forestry grapples and good for jobs where the operator likes to swing the logs around. It is also more budget-friendly.

How long does it take to get a quote?

We can get a grapple quote back to you within 24 hours

How soon can I get a grapple delivered?

In most cases we can get your grapple on the transporter within 48 hours. Our South Island branches are in Christchurch and Gore.

What kind of after-sales service do you provide?

The full-noise kind, you might say. Every hydraulic attachment provided is backed with the type of technical support and expert knowledge that only comes from years of invaluable experience. We know our stuff and will be on hand with operational advice, parts and servicing when you need us.

Can I get a chainsaw mounted on the grapple?

Yes, check out our Vosch grapple saw range here.

Can I hire a grapple for a clean up job?

If you’re Southland or Otago, talk to AdvanceQuip. They can offer a swinging rotating grapple for a 5T-6T excavator, or a fixed rotating grapple for 10T-14.5T excavators or 16T-23.5T excavators.

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